October 1985, Gorbachev published plan to increase production of consumer goods and increase services.

Gorbachev convinced that reductions in military spending were needed.

Cracked down on alcoholism

These approaches led to the ideas of openness and freedom (glasnost) and economic restructuring (perestroika).

Gorbachev’s Problems

1986, Chernobyl nuclear disaster exposed the backwards failing Soviet system. — Radiation killed hundred, contaminated rivers and agriculture and spread across the world due to evaporation and rainfall.

Government reduced the importation of consumer goods and soviet citizens had less to buy, reduced revenue.

Gorbachev made problems worse, printed too much money, money had less value.